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Arches to be constructed at Agricola, Cummings Lodge for Jubilee—Trotman
-Ruimveldt Independence Arch has mysteriously vanished
By Jarryl Bryan
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, in association with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC)
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman
will be putting out contracts to construct and erect two arches, one at Cummings Lodge on the Rupert Craig highway, East Coast of Demerara and at Agricola, East Bank Demerara.
This was communicated by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, during his post Cabinet briefing yesterday. He stated that this project will be undertaken for the Independence Golden Jubilee. He also made it clear that the projects will be funded in part by corporate Guyana.
“These arches will mark the eastern and southern entrances to our Capital city,” he said. “It will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, in collaboration with the M&CC as part of the celebration for the Jubilee independence.”
“They will be identical and will be designed and constructed by local designers and contractors,” Trotman added. He was also reminded, however, of the arch that once stood at the entrance to Ruimveldt.
That arch was one of a pair which were gifts from the Demerara Bauxite Company. It was erected in 1966. However, the Ruimveldt arch was removed by the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, to facilitate expansion works being conducted on the roadway to turn it into a four-lane carriageway.
“Every attempt was made to locate the arch whether in its complete form or in parts,” Trotman said. “And despite our best efforts, and the efforts of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, not a single part could be located. We don’t know whether it made off on the high seas as scrap metal or what.”
“So unfortunately a major piece of our history has disappeared,” the Minister decried. “We were led to believe it was stored in the compound of public infrastructure but no such piece of metal can be found.”
While he noted that he did not have the figure of the cost of the arch, he noted that the cost would presently be made available. Kaieteur News understands from Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, that each arch will cost approximately $16.5M.
Works have already been carried out on and around the Brickdam arch, which has been restored. The arch has now become a popular attraction, featuring prominently in the New Year celebrations.
In regards to the new arches, Banks DIH has promised to finance the Agricola arch. Banks DIH Chariman, Clifford Reis, made this announcement earlier in the year. He had also promised that Banks DIH had other plans in store.
“You know the arch which is at Ruimveldt?” he had told reporters in an invited comment. “Banks will rebuild it. Secondly, we are going to have a big free concert. We had one when Guyana hosted Carifesta and we will be doing another for Independence.”
It was reported that the artiste being touted as the feature act is likely to be soca artiste, Machel Montano. In addition, it is understood that another corporate giant is contemplating avenues in bringing R&B singer, Usher, to perform.
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